Attachment style and the internet: does attachment style influence whether an individual reaps positive or negative effects of online communications?

Attachment theory looks at a person's style of relating based on early experiences with primary caregivers (Bowlby, 1988). These early relationships are thought to act as a template for future adult romantic relationships (Bartholomew, 1990; Hazen & Shaver, 1987). There are four attachments styles: secure, preoccupied, fearful, and dismissive. Secure adults are comfortable with close relationships and with giving and receiving support. Preoccupied adults wish to merge completely with another person. Fearful adults avoid relationships due to a fear of rejection, and dismissing adults avoid relationships due to a discomfort with closeness. It was hypothesized that attachment style might help to determine a person's preference for social interactions; online vs face-to-face. Sixty-seven psychology students participated in a study of computer mediated communication (CMC) and attachment style. They completed the Relationships Style Questionnaire (RSQ; Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994), and a short questionnaire that assessed mode, frequency, and social uses of the Internet. Significant correlations between attachment style and the formation of online friendships and romantic relationships, and the giving of online support were found. Future research could look at the therapeutic implications of utilizing the Internet in order to help people break free from insecure styles of relating.